Celebrate Black Stories: Black History Month Book Lists
In honour of Black History Month, we’re once again partnering with CaribbeanTales to share curated book lists for all ages: parents & tots (0-5), kids (6-12), and adults & multi-generational families.

These selections highlight incredible Black authors, stories, and voices, offering a rich celebration of Black history, culture, and creativity.
Check out the book lists and explore these inspiring reads. You’ll also find some of these books around Beaches Sandbox—feel free to browse while you're here!
Books For Parents & Tots (0-5)
"Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids, Volume 1 & 2" – Akilah Newton - Introduces young children to Black Canadian trailblazers through engaging activities and illustrations.
"The Song Within My Heart" – David Bouchard & Roy B. Vickers - Though Métis-focused, this book beautifully depicts the importance of elders and passing down culture, a shared experience among Black and Indigenous communities in Canada.
"C is for Carnival" – Hélène Ramdass & Karen John - A vibrant alphabet book celebrating Caribbean culture, including Toronto’s famous Caribana festival.
"I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything!" – Alissa Holder & Zulekha Holder-Young - A positive, affirming book that builds confidence and self-worth in young Black children.
"Every Little Thing" – Cedella Marley - A beautifully illustrated adaptation of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, spreading messages of resilience and happiness.

Books For Kids (Ages 6-12)
"Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged!" – Jody Nyasha Warner - Tells the story of Viola Desmond, a Canadian civil rights icon who stood up against racial segregation in Nova Scotia.
"Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter" – Nadia L. Hohn - A beautifully illustrated biography of Harriet Tubman, with Canadian connections to the Underground Railroad.
“Africville" – Shauntay Grant - A lyrical picture book that celebrates Africville, a historic Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"The Little Boy From Jamaica: A Canadian History Story Paperback" – Devon Clunis, Pearlene Clunis - A heartwarming story about immigration and the Jamaican-Canadian experience.
"Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Canada" – Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore - Highlights the achievements of Black Canadians in various fields, making history come alive for young readers.

Books For Adults & Multi-Generational Families
They Call Me George: The Untold Story of Black Train Porters and the Birth of Modern Canada" – Cecil Foster - A powerful history of Black train porters in Canada who helped shape the country’s civil rights movement.
"Black Matters" – Afua Cooper, Wilfried Raussert, & others - A collection of essays and stories about Black experiences in Canada, great for seniors looking to reflect and discuss history with younger generations.
- A deep dive into early Black history in Canada, shedding light on the presence of slavery in the country.
The autobiography of a Canadian civil rights leader, great for inspiring intergenerational conversations.
‘’Chasing Freedom: The Canadian Story of the Underground Railroad" – Gloria Ann Wesley - A historical novel that offers a gripping account of the Underground Railroad and the resilience of Black settlers in Canada.

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